PRAISE FOR THE

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
NOVELS
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS BEAUTIFUL CHAOS BEAUTIFUL REDEMPTION

In the Gothic tradition of Anne Rice.... Give this to fans of Stephenie Meyers Twilight or HBOs True Blood series. SLJ HThe authors ground their Caster world in the concrete, skillfully juxtaposing the arcane, magical world with Gatlins normal southern lifestyle....[Fans will] plead for more. VOYA (starred review) A lush Southern gothic. HOLLY BLACK, New York Times bestselling author of Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale and The Coldest Girl in Coldtown Smart, textured and romantic. Kirkus Reviews Magical, breathless. Just Jared Jr.

BY

KAMIGARCIA & MARGARETSTOHL

LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY Boston New York

This book is a work of ction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the authors imagination or are used ctitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental. Copyright 2014 by Kami Garcia, LLC, and Margaret Stohl, Inc. Excerpt from Icons copyright 2013 by Margaret Stohl, Inc. Excerpt from Unbreakable copyright 2013 by Kami Garcia, LLC All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the publisher is unlawful piracy and theft of the authors intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher at permissions@hbgusa.com. Thank you for your support of the authors rights. Little, Brown and Company Hachette Book Group 237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Visit our website at lb-teens.com Little, Brown and Company is a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. The Little, Brown name and logo are trademarks of Hachette Book Group, Inc. The publisher is not responsible for websites (or their content) that are not owned by the publisher. First Edition: May 2014 First International Edition: May 2014 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Garcia, Kami, author. Dangerous creatures / by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. pages cm Summary: Siren Ridley and her rocker boyfriend Link move to New York City to make it big with their supernatural band mates in Sirensong, but Caster trouble follows them in the form of Abraham Ravenwoods son Silas, who is looking to avenge his fathers death Provided by publisher. ISBN 978-0-316-37031-8 (hardback) ISBN 978-0-316-37626-6 (special edition hardcover) ISBN 978-0-316-40545-4 (international paperback edition) [1.SupernaturalFiction. 2.Sirens (Mythology)Fiction. 3.Rock groupsFiction. 4.LoveFiction.] I.Stohl, Margaret, author. II. Title. PZ7.G155627Dan 2014[Fic]dc232013048080 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 RRD-C Printed in the United States of America

For Link and Ridley, because we knew there was more to their story and for our readers, because they asked to read it.

j i

Odi et amo. Quare id faciam, fortasse requiris? Nescio, sed eri sentio et excrucior. I hate and I love. You ask why I do this? I do not know, but I feel and I am tormented. C atullus

DANGEROUS CREATURES

 before

Ridley

There are only two kinds of Mortals in the backwater town

of Gatlin, South Carolina the stupid and the stuck. At least, thats what they say. As if there are other kinds of Mortals anywhere else. Please. Luckily, theres only one kind of Siren, no matter where you go in this world or the Otherworld. Stuck, no. Stuck-up? Maybe. Stupid? Its all a matter of perspective. Heres mine: Ive been called a lot of things, but what I really am is a s urvivor and while there are more than a few stupid Sirens, there are zero stupid survivors. Consider my record. I outlasted some of the Darkest Casters
1

and creatures alive. I withstood whole months of Stonewall Jackson High School. Beyond that, I survived a thousand terrible love songs written by one Wesley Lincoln, a clueless Mortal boy who became an equally clueless quarter Incubus. And who, by the way, is not the most gifted musician. For a while, I survived wanting to write him a love song of my own. That was harder. This Siren gig is meant to be a o ne- way street. Ask Odysseus and two thousand years worth of dead sailors if you dont believe me. We didnt choose for it to be that way. Its the hand we were dealt, and you wont hear me whining about it. Im not my cousin Lena. Lets get something straight: Im supposed to be the bad guy. I will always disappoint you. Your parents will hate me. You should not root for me. I am not your role model. I dont know why everyone seems to forget that. I never do. No matter what she says, Lena was meant to be Light. I was meant to be Dark. Respect the teams, people. At least learn the rules. My own parents disowned me after the Dark Claimed me as a Siren on my Sixteenth Moon. Since then, nothing rattles m e nothing and no one. I always knew my incarceration in the sanitarium that my Uncle Macon called Ravenwood Manor was a temporary pit stop on the way to bigger and better, my two favorite words. Actually, thats a lie. My two favorite words are my name, Ridley Duchannes.

Why wouldnt they be? Sure, Lena gets the credit for being the most powerful Caster of all time. Whatever. It doesnt make me any less excellent. Neither does her too- good-to-be-true Mortal boyfriend, Ethan the Wayward Wate, who defeats Darkness in the name of true love every day of the week. So what? I was never going for perfect. I think that should be clear by now. Ive done my part, played my hand, even thrown in my cards when I had to. Ive bet what I didnt have and bluffed until I had it. Link once said: Ridley Duchannes is always playing a game. I never told him, but he was right. Whats so bad about that? I always knew Id rather play than watch from the sidelines. Except once. There was one game I regretted. At least, one that I regretted losing. And one Dark Caster I regretted losing to. Lennox Gates. Two markers. Thats all I owed him, and it was enough to change everything. But Im getting ahead of myself. It all started long before that. There were blood debts to be paid though this time it wasnt up to my cousin and her boyfriend to pay them. Ethan and Lena? Liv and John? Macon and Marian? This wasnt about them anymore. This was about Link and me. I shouldve known we wouldnt get off easy. No Caster goes

down without a ght, even when you think the ght is over. No Caster lets you ride off into the sunset on some lame white unicorn or in your boyfriends beat-up excuse for a car. Whats a Caster fairy- tale ending? I dont know, because Casters dont get to have fairy tales especially not Dark Casters. Forget the sunset the whole castle burns to the ground, taking Prince Charming down with it. Then the seven dwarves go all ninja and drop- kick your butt straight out of the kingdom. Thats what a Dark Caster fairy tale looks like. What can I say? Paybacks a bitch. But heres the thing: So am I.

 chapter 1

Home Sweet Home

It was their last night of summer, their last night of freedom,

their last night of being frozen in time together in Gatlin, South Carolina and technically speaking, Ridley Duchannes and Wesley Lincoln were in a ght. When are we ever not? Ridley wondered. But this wasnt just any ght. It was the knockdown, drag- out, mother-of-all supernatural takedownsSiren Predator versus Hybrid Incubus Alien. That was what Link had called it, behind her back. Which was about the same as saying it to her face, at least in Gatlin. It had started right after graduation, and three months later, it was still going strong. Not that youd know from looking at them. If Link and Ridley openly admitted that they were still ghting, it would mean openly admitting that they still cared. If they
5

openly admitted that they still cared, it would mean openly admitting to things like feelings. Feelings implied all sorts of gushy, messy, fuzzy complications. Feelings were how theyd gotten into this ght in the rst place. Disgusting. Ridley would rather have Link stab her through the heart with a pair of gardening shears than admit to any of those things. Shed rather fall on her face like Abraham Ravenwood did, in His Garden of Perpetual Peace, drawing his last breath unloved and alone a far fall for the most powerful Blood Incubus in the Caster world. At least Ridley understood Abraham Ravenwood. She was an expert on being unloved and alone. Worshipped and obeyed? Great. Feared and hated? Shed take it. But loved and together? That was harder. That was Lenas territory. So Ridley wasnt about to admit that she and Link were still ghting. Not tonight, or any other night. You couldnt hit one relationship domino without toppling all the others. And if they couldnt discuss whether they were in a ght, she didnt even want to think about what else might come toppling down. It wasnt worth the risk. Which was the reason Ridley didnt mention anything she was thinking as she trudged through Gatlins stickiest marsh, heading for Lake Moultrie in her m ile- high snakeskin platforms. I should have worn kitten heels, Rid lamented. Pretty sure kittens dont have heels. Link grinned. Rid had caved and asked him for a ride to the stupid farewell party her cousin had organized. It was the rst time the two
6

of them had been alone together for longer than ve minutes, ever since that night at the beginning of the summer when Link made the mistake of telling Rid he loved her at the Dar-ee Keen. Meow, Ridley said, annoyed. Link looked amused. I dont really think a you as a cat person, Rid. I love cats, she said, wrenching one foot out of a patch of drying mud. Half my closet is leopard. Her shoe made a gross sucking sound that reminded Ridley of her little sister, Ryan, slurping on an ICEE. And the rest is leather, Greenpeace. Links spiky hair stood straight up, as usual more bed head than boy band. But you could see what he was going for. His faded T-shirt said granny broke both hipsters, and the chain hanging from his wallet made him sound like a puppy on a leash. In other words, Link looked like hed looked every day of his life, hybrid Incubus or not. Gaining supernatural powers had done nothing to improve his sense of style. Just like the boy I fell for, Ridley thought. Even if everything else between us is different. She yanked her foot up out of the muck again and went toppling over backward. Link caught her on her way to a full- body mud bath. Before Rid could say a word, he hoisted her over his shoulder and bounded across the marsh, all the way to the edge of the lake. Put me down. Rid squirmed, tugging her miniskirt back into place. Fine. Youre a real brat sometimes. Link laughed. Want me to put you down again? Cause I gotta whole lotta blond jokes...
7

Oh my god, stop i t She hit his back, kneeing his chest in the process, but deep down, she didnt mind the ride. Or the jokes. Or the superstrength. There were some perks to having a quarter Incubus for an ex-boyfriend. Hanging upside down wasnt one of them, though, and Rid tried to push her way back upright in his arms. Lena waved them over from her spot at the campsite, a makeshift re pit at the waters edge. Macons massive black dog, Boo Radley, was curled at her feet. Ethan and John were still working on the re itself, the Mortal way, under Livs direction not that shed ever made a re before. Which was probably why it was still only smoking. Hey, Rid. Lena smiled. Nice ride. I have a name, Link said, holding Ridley with one arm. Hey, Link. Lenas black curls were pulled up into a loose knot, and her familiar charm necklace hung from her neck. Even her old black Chucks never changed. Ridley noticed that the ornament from Lenas graduation had already joined her charm collection. Meaningless Mortal ceremonies. Rid smirked at the memory of Emily Ashers diploma turning into a live snake, right as Emily shook Principal Harpers hand. Some of my better work, Ridley thought. Nothing like a few snakes to end a boring graduation, and fast. But Lena looked a thousand times happier now that Ethan was back. Down. Now. Ridley gave Link one last kick for good measure. Link dumped Ridley back on her feet, grinning. Dont ever say I didnt do anything for you. Aw, Shrinky Dink. If its the thought that counts, you didnt. She smiled sweetly back at him. She reached up and patted his head. That things like an air mattress.
8

My mom says balloon. Link was unfazed. Pound it, Pudding Head. Ethan dropped a last log on the smoking pile of sticks. He bumped sts with Link. Liv sighed. Theres plenty of oxygen going to all the logs. I used a classic tepee structure. Unless the laws of physics have changed, I dont know why Do we have to do this the Mortal way? Ethan looked at Lena. She nodded. More fun. John struck another match. For who? Ridley held up her hand. Hold on. That sounds like camping. Is this camping? Am I camping? Link moved across the re pit. You may not know this, but Rid is not a happy camper. Sit. Lena gave her the Look. Because Im about to make you all very happy. Camping or not. She uttered her ngers, and the re ignited. Are you kidding me? Liv looked from Lena to the crackling re, insulted, while the boys laughed. You want me to put it out? Lena raised an eyebrow. Liv sighed but reached for the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Between her love of snack foods, her faded Grateful Dead T-shirts, and her messy braids, Liv seemed like she should be heading back to high school, not college. Once Liv opened her mouth, though, she seemed like she should be one of the professors. Id pay serious money to see Rid campin for real. Link opped down next to Ethan. Your allowance isnt serious enough to get me to go camping, Shrinky Dink. Rid tried to gure out a way to sit down on
9

a stone near the re pit without ripping the thin black spandex skirt she was rocking. Havin a little trouble with your n ano- skirt, there? Link patted the makeshift seat next to him. No. Ridley twirled the pink stripe in her hair. Lena speared a marshmallow on a stick, laughing as Ridley took another pass at sitting on the rock. Cant rest your dogs while youre strapped in that butt Band- A id? Link was enjoying himself. Ridley was not. Its a m icro- mini. From Miu Miu. And what would you know? You cant even dress a salad. Ive got my own kind of air, Babe. And I dont need to buy mine at Meow Meow. Ridley gave up on the rock, squatting instead at the edge of a log just down from Link. Flair? You? You wash your face with shampoo and brush your teeth with a washcloth. Whats your point? Link raised an eyebrow. Lena looked up. Enough. Dont tell me you two are still going at it. This has to be some kind of record, even for you. She waved her stick and her marshmallow caught on re. I mean, if youre referring to that one night Rid began. It was more of a conversation, Link said. And she did off blow me I said I was sorry, Rid countered. But you know what they say. Once a Mortal... Link snorted. Mortal? I wouldnt believe a Siren if she Lena held up her hand. I said not to tell me. Ridley and Link looked away from each other, embarrassed. Its all good, Link said stify. Camping. Ridley changed the subject.
10

Lena shook her head. No, this is not camping. This is . . . I dont actually know the verb for it. Smoring? Lena caught a glop of brown and white goo between two graham crackers, shoving the whole thing into Ethans mouth. Ethan made a sound like he was trying to say something, but he couldnt open his mouth enough to make any actual words. I take it you like my smoring? Lena smiled at him. Ethan nodded. Tonight, in his oldest Harley- Davidson T-shirt and ratty jeans, he looked the same as he had the day Ridley rst met him, after basketball practice at the Stop & Steal. Which was crazy, if you thought about everything that had happened to him since then. The things that boy has been through in the name of my cousin. And people think Sirens are hard on the opposite sex. Hed do anything for her. A little voice in Ridleys head pointed out the obvious: Loved and together is the opposite of unloved and alone. Ridley could barely stand to watch a relationship that functional. She shuddered and shook her head, recovering. Smoring? Dont you mean snoring? Because this is no way to spend our last night together. There are enemies to be made. Laws to be broken. Cheerleaders to Not tonight. Lena shook her head, spearing another marshmallow. Rid gave up, grabbing a bag of chocolate bars to console herself. Sirens loved their sugar, especially this one. Speak for yourself. I think this is brilliant, said Liv, stuffing her face with a gooey chocolate marshmallow graham cracker mess. Melted chocolate and warm marshmallow coming together as o ne on the same graham cracker? Thats democracy at its best. This is why I love America. Smores.
11

Is that the only reason? John nudged her. The only reason? Yes. No, Liv teased, licking a nger. Smores, the Dar-ee Keen, and the CW. She shot him a playful look and he smiled, tossing a marshmallow into Boo Radleys open mouth. Boo thumped his tail appreciatively.

j
wenty- T ve marshmallows later, Boo was a little less appreciative and the re was burning down to embers, but the night was far from over. good- byes, Lena said, breaking up the See? No tears. No burnt- black stick. And when we go, no one is ash with her allowed to say anything youd read in a cheesy greeting card. Ethan drew his arm around her. Lena was trying, but all the sugar in the world wasnt going to make this g ood- bye go down any easier. Not for the six of them. Ridley made a face. If you want to boss people around, Cuz, start a sorority. She rummaged through a bag of empty chocolate wrappers. Its our last night together. So what? Accept it and move on. Tough love, people. Ridley talked a good game, but deep down she knew her own tough love wasnt all that much tougher than her cousins marshmallow meltdown. They just had different ways of showing it. Lena grew still, gazing into the dying re. I cant. She shook her head. Ive left too many people behind too many times. I wont do it again. Not to you guys. I dont want everything to change. She reached for Boo, burying her hands deep in his dark fur. His head dropped down to his paws.
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The six friends fell silent, until only the crackling remnants of the campre could be heard. Ridley was uncomfortable with the silence, but more uncomfortable with all the feelings talk that had preceded it, so she kept her mouth shut. It was nally Link who spoke up. Yeah, well, change happens. I used to really love these things, he said, squeezing a marshmallow between his ngers. He shoved John, who was sitting on a rock between Link and Liv. Dude. When you turned me into an Incubus, you shoulda warned me about the whole we-dont-need-to-eat-and-everything-tastes-like-crap thing. I wouldve eaten a bunch a stuff for my last meal. John held up a st. Youre only a quarter Incubus, you big stud, and I did you a favor. No one wouldve ever called you a big stud if youd kept eating those things. No one calls him that now, Ethan said. What are you saying? Link was indignant. Im saying, you used to be kinda sorry, Stay Puft, and now the chicks are lining up. Youre welcome. John sat back. Oh, please, Ridley said. As if his head could get any bigger. Thats not the only thing thats bigger. Link winked, and everyone groaned. Ridley rolled her eyes, but he didnt care. Oh, come on. Like you didnt see that one comin. Lena sat up straight, looking over the re at the faces of her ve closest friends in the world. All right. Forget this. Forget good- bye. So what if were going to college tomorrow? Lena glanced at Ethan. And England. Liv sighed, taking Johns hand. And Hell, Link added, if you ask my mother.
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Which no one is, Rid said. What I mean is, we dont have to do this the Mortal way, Lena said. Ethan stared at her strangely, but Lena kept going. Lets make a pact instead. Just no blood oaths, John said. Which would be the Blood Incubus way. Link perked up at the thought. Is that another camp thing? Cause we denitely didnt get to do that at church camp. Lena shook her head. Not blood. Maybe like a spit promise? Link looked hopeful. Eww, Rid said, shoving him off his log. Not a spit promise. Lena leaned in, holding her hand over the re. The ames reected against her palm, turning orange and red and even blue. Rid shivered. Her cousin was up to something, and with powers as unpredictable as Lenas, that wasnt always a good idea. The embers glowed under Lenas ngertips. We need to mark this occasion with something a little stronger than smores. We dont need to say good- bye. We just need a Cast.

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 chapter 2

Symptom of the Universe

The six friends had talked circles around the idea, until the
moon had risen and the re had all but died, and even then Link wasnt really sure what was going on. Theyre just feeling low, he thought. Dont think theres a Cast for that. Still, he wasnt going to be the one to break the news. If Lena and Liv wanted to pretend there was something anyone could do to change the fact that they were all getting the hell out of Gatlin tomorrow, Link wasnt going to pop that bubble. Hed learned to stay out of the way when it came to Casters and their Casts. Heres what we want: something that says that no matter where we go, no matter what we do, we will always, always be there for each other. Lena nudged Ethan in the moonlight. Right?

15

Do you really have to ask? Ethan mumbled, sleepily nuzzling her neck. We dont need a Cast for that. Anywhere? Even across an ocean? Liv asked, squeezing Johns hand. Link looked away. It was a l ong- established fact that John was basically following Liv halfway across the world like a whipped dog so Liv could nish studying at Oxford while completing her Keeper training. It was nothing like what Link had ever had with Rid, even back when they did have something. But tonight John and Liv were happy as clams because they were staying together, while you couldnt chisel Ethan and Lena apart with a spatula the size of Links Beater. They were headed to schools in the same state but different cities; that was the compromise they had reached with their families. Link couldnt even remember the names, though hed pretended to listen to a thousand conversations about them the schools, their dorms, their reading lists. Blah, blah, blah. All he knew was theyd be at rival schools in sleepy old towns up in Massachusetts (or Michigan, or maybe Minnesota heck, what was the difference?) ninety minutes apart. You would think it was nine hundred miles, the way theyre acting. Whipped as Thanksgiving potatoes. Still, Link smiled at the sweet stupidity of it all. Who was he to judge? If anybody had a shot, it was Ethan and Lena. Even John and Liv had managed to keep it together. It was only Link and Ridley who were Gatlins biggest basket case of a relationship. Ex-relationship, he reminded himself. Nothings going to change. Lenas tone turned serious.

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We wont let it. Weve been through enough together to know that the people you care about are the only thing that matters. Link caught Ridleys eye in the ickering relight, in spite of everything. Ridley looked away, pretending to listen to what Lena was saying, as if she cared. Anything to ignore me, Link thought. Thats her trick, same as always, and she still thinks I dont know what shes up to. Just like the old days. So, you think a Cast will keep us together? Ridley asked, pretending to listen. Cant we just, I dont know, send postcards? Lena ignored her. Maybe Marian would have an idea. Or maybe she wouldnt. Because its a bad idea, Ridley said. No, wait. I think Ive got it. Livs braids were coming undone, and she sounded exhausted. But the sparks in her eyes burned as bright as the remnants of the campre. A Binding Cast. Its how Ravenwood protects itself and keeps those who would do harm out, right? Binds a person to a place? Couldnt it also Bind six people together? Theoretically. Lena shrugged. A Binding Cast for people? It could work. I cant think of a reason why it wouldnt. Link scratched his head. Work how? Like, our hands are permanently stuck together in a group hug? Or like, we can read each others minds? Can you get a little more specic? Not that Id mind being Bound to Rid, he thought. At least, it wouldnt suck. Lena stared into the glowing embers. Who knows? Were kind of winging it here. There arent a whole lot of Casts about Binding people.

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Or, you know. Any. Ridley sighed. So why am I the only person who thinks we should get out the peach schnapps and go bowling instead? No takers. How about breakfast, then? Link kicked a clod of dirt toward the re. When had Rid gotten so worried about using her powers? Shed been like that ever since the summer. Skittish as a new pup, and about as nervous. This isnt black magic, Rid, Lena said. If we do something wrong, well undo it. When have those words ever not come back to haunt you? Ridley shook her head at her cousin. Nothing big, Lena said. Just a little something so we dont forget about each other. Like a Forget-Me-Not. A memento. I could do it in my sleep. Rid raised an eyebrow. Someones gotten a little cocky since she brought Boyfriend back from the dead. Lena ignored the dig and held out her hand to Ridley. Everyone join hands. Ridley sighed and took Lenas hand, also taking Links warm and sweaty one. He grinned and gave her a squeeze. Is this gonna be kinky? Please let this be kinky. Please let you shut up, said Rid. But it was hard not to smile, and she had to make an effort to keep her bratty expression in place. John took Livs hand, and Liv took Links. Ethan grabbed hands with John and Lena to complete the circle. Lena closed her eyes and began to speak in a low tone. There is a time beyond mountains and men Is that it? Link asked. The Cast? Or are you just makin it up? Because I thought all your Casts were in Lat
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Lena opened her eyes and glared, one green eye and one gold ashing in the remaining relight. Links mouth shut and his voice was silenced for him, C aster- style. Link swallowed, hard. Lena might as well have slapped duct tape across his face. He got the message. Then she closed her eyes again. As she spoke, Link could almost see the words on the page, as if a scroll had opened itself for them. There is a time beyond mountains and men When our six- faced moon must rise. If you call for me, I will come to you then, And our six- headed horse will ride. Though Sixteen Moons began our thread, And Nineteen Moons must end us, Let us always be Bound by the Southern Star, And when in grave danger Send us. Lightning ashed in the sky, ripping across the dark clouds and reecting in the still surface of the lake. Boo growled. A shiver rolled through all six of them like a cold current coming from the lake itself and they dropped hands, as if some invisible force had ripped them apart. The circle was broken. Link tried his voice and found to his relief that he could use it. Which was good, since he had something to say. Sweet buckets of crap! What was that? Link opened his Grave danger? And send us? Send us where? What eyes. are you talkin about? His voice was raspy, as if hed just been yelling.
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Lena looked uncomfortable. Those are just the words that came to me. John sat up on his rock. Wait, what? Lena squirmed. I wasnt expecting the danger part. But its all good, right? She frowned as soon as she said it. I guess it doesnt sound that great, does it? You think? Ridley tried another position on her hard log seat. She didnt look happy. Could it be an omen? Livs face clouded. A warning or a threat about something thats going to end us? Lena shrugged. I dont know. Its meant to be whatever it is. I mean, its just what came out when I tried to focus on the Binding. That was when Link lost it. What do you mean, thats what came out? How could you work a Cast without knowin what youre Castin? What if its somethin really bad? Because Lord knows thats never happened to us before! Ethan punched Links arm. Chill out, Mrs. Lincoln. Link shot him a dirty look, which Ethan deserved. It was basically the meanest thing you could say to Link. Still. Get control of yourself, dude. Lena knows what shes doing. Ridley tried to sound condent. If she says it enough times, maybe it will be true, Link thought. Ridleys right. Its ne. Everythings okay. No one panic. But Liv didnt look like she believed a word she was saying. Lena didnt look all that relieved, either. Well, we should be Bound now. See? Somethings happening. She motioned to the re.
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There, beneath the rising mound of gray ash and log, was a strange pulsing light. Lena leaned forward, blowing away the ash. What remained were six glowing blue lumps of burning ember. Beautiful, Liv said. As everyone watched, the lumps more like orbs rose into the air, spinning and hovering above the ames. Boo whined at Lenas feet. Whoa, Link said. Lena reached forward with a nger, closer and still closer, until the blue orbs burst into a shower of sparks and vanished. Is that it? The nale? Ethan studied the dying embers. I dont know. Lena grabbed a stick and poked tentatively at the ash. Look. Its still sparking. Liv leaned closer. Lena dug in the hot ash with her ngers. There. She held something up. Six of them. One for each of us. What is that thing? Ethan was staring. Everyone was. It wasnt an everyday sight, not in Gatlin County or the whole Mortal world. There was a tiny ring in Lenas hand, delicate and translucent. If you looked at it from a distance, it resembled some sort of delicately blown glass. Lena slipped the ring on her nger. It t perfectly, and the light inside it ared brightly and then died out. Go on. It wont hurt you. She stared at her nger as she spoke. Ethan reached for a ring, then paused. You think. I know, Lena said. The whole point of a Binding Cast is protection. She didnt sound sure.
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Ethan took a breath and slipped a ring on his nger. John followed suit, then Liv. Rid slowly did the same. Five rings were on ve ngers. The sixth just sat there, glowing in the embers. Waiting. Hey, man. Ethan elbowed Link. Take it. Give me a minute, Frodo. I gotta think about this. Link ran his hand through his hair. Really? Were going to start that now? John shook his head. But one look from Rid and the sixth ring went on before Link could say another word.

j
Personally, Ridley thought the whole ring thing was kind of stupid. She didnt make Link wear his to please her cousin. To be honest, she didnt remotely understand the concept of peer pressure that Mortals talked about all the time. Who would ever do something because someone else wanted them to do it? When someone wanted Ridley to do something, she almost automatically wanted to do the exact opposite. Binding Rings included. But given the brief history of her friends in Gatlin County, Ridley didnt feel like taking any chances. Nobody could argue that lightning wouldnt strike twice. Not for the Casters and Mortals of Gatlin County. Not even Ridley. If a stupid ring from a Natural would keep bad things from

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happening, shed wear it. Shed wear one on every nger if it helped her get out of the trouble she had gotten herself into this summer. Everyone else was going off to start their future tomorrow. Ridley was going to try to undo her past.

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 chapter 3

Master of Puppets

In the shadows of the Underground, anything can look evil.

That was what the guy standing on the edge of an ancient New York City subway platform thought. He was eighteen years old, and he still dreaded coming down here. He shook the unruly lengths of caramel- colored hair away from his gold- ecked eyes. Its impossible to know the difference between darkness and Darkness down here, even for a Dark Caster like me. And Lennox Gates was plenty Dark. The pale girl sitting on the edge of the platform across the tracks from him was not plagued by the same philosophical questions. Slumping inside a tted black leather jacket quilted in diagonal stripes, she looked like a futuristic criminal. Her hair was buzzed down to an inch, except for a stripe of spiky blue that ran down the center of her head. Only her baby face looked innocent.

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Dangerous, but innocent. Lennox thought about her future. He wished he hadnt seen it, but he couldnt stop himself from picking up on the things he did, every time he accidentally looked into a replace, a lit candle, or even a ickering lighter. Her future, like so many others, had come to him in bursts, like the ash on a camera, streaming a high- speed ood of information he couldnt control. He had seen anguish and guilt, blood and betrayal. Love. The Dark Caster Necromancer was in for a wild ride. Leaning against one of the support beams, her eyes milky white and opaque instead of their normal Dark Caster gold, she didnt look conscious. He felt bad about their arrangement, though shed agreed to the contract. It had been her idea to wipe it from her mind, for security reasons. Like so many Necromancers, she didnt want to know what she was saying or who was saying it. Though the girl wouldnt remember any of this, he wouldevery dull, wasted moment. Why did I have to inherit this mess, along with everything else they left me? The ring of candles surrounding her on three sides had burned down to waxy puddles. Spirals of smoke drifted up toward her blank face. Her legs dangled over the edge of the tracks, kicking involuntarily to an unknown rhythm. Its a good thing these tracks are abandoned. If a train came by, those legs would be cut from her body, Necromancer or not, Lennox thought. As good as she was, she couldnt protect herself in this state. She relied on him, and he could never forget it. Occupational hazard of her job.

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He slid a cigar from the inside pocket of his black trench and cigars and the smell of this considered it. He hated the smell of one in particular. Occupational hazard of mine. He stared at the cigar as if he wanted it to disappear as if he wanted to disappear right along with it. But he couldnt. He was the last of his family line, and there was still work to be done, even if he didnt want any part of it. Do any of us really have control over our destinies? Maybe were all just as helpless as little Mortals in the end. He heard a sound from across the tracks. The girl would wake up soon. No more time for self- pity. Time for an offering. So he held the cigar up in the air in front of him, raising his voice. Barbadian. Your favorite. Id give one to your obeah there, but I dont think shed appreciate it. He lit the cigar, letting the match burn out and drop onto the tracks. Nox didnt look directly at the ame, not even the burning cigar. Fire made him see things he didnt like to see. I understand you want to talk. Here I am. What do you want from me? He looked over at the girl across the tracks. She was still comatose, but she raised her head when the cigar smoke reached her, and her mouth opened like a puppets. The voice that came out belonged to an old man low and gravelly, with a distinct Southern accent. What I want is to avenge my familys honor. For my blood debt to be paid. His blood debt? After all the blood hes shed? Lennox tried to keep the rage out of his voice. Some people say the ones who are to blame have paid over and over again.

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Even their friends have paid. Your family got what was coming to them. At least, you did. Accordin to who? The girls face twisted into a sneer. Me, Lennox said coldly. Think again, boy. Careful, Lennox thought. He might be dead, but hes still dangerous. Lennox shook his head at the possessed girl. I did what you asked. I set certain events in motion. Im k nee- deep in a pile of bones and moldering bodies, as Homer would say. He knocked the ash from the cigar without ever touching it to his lips. Im glad my mother isnt here to see it. I wouldnt worry yourself. Your mamma never gave a thought to what you did. Lennox snapped. She didnt have a chance. You made sure of that. When you tortured her. I make sure of everythin. The girl took a moment to savor the smoke, and smiled cruelly. Your job isnt close to done. Lennox wanted to hurl the cigar at her. At him. The Wheel of Fate crushes us all. Isnt that what they say, old man? Lennox shook his head. Thats a dangerous business. Messing with so many peoples fates at once. Are you sure its worth it? Dont be a coward, like your father, the girl muttered. I will have my vengeance. Lennox only smiled. So youve said. My father shouldve killed you when he had the chance. What you grinnin at, boy? The girl snarled at him from

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across the darkness. Until I nd my rest, you wont have any peace, either. Lennox waved the cigar in the air between them. Im glad were moving on to the threats. I was starting to feel slighted. Not just a threat. A promise. Ill see to it myself. That, and a whole lot more. The Dark Caster cocked an eyebrow. No wonder I turned out to be a model citizen. Considering I was raised in such a loving community. You are not my blood. The animated girl spat. Thank god for that. Lennox was tired of the old man. Even death hadnt lifted the burden of his presence. Why dont you move on already? Cross over? You spent a lifetime exacting revenge on everyone you ever met. Arent you bored yet? Im not goin anywhere, boy. She growled. I want them all gone. Not just the hand that drove the blade. Not just the traitor who led me there. Everyone who got them to that point, to that hour of that day. All of them? Every last one. You hearin straight? Because I want to be perfectly clear. You. Kill them. For me. Lennox stared down the tracks. There was nothing but darkness. What choice did he have, really? When it came right down to it, there was only one answer. There was always only one answer. He sighed. Ill do what I can. The words sounded strange in his mouth, as if someone else was saying them. I take it thats a yes?
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If only in the name of family honor. The Necromancer smiled, raising her hands. My family thanks you. Lennox looked repulsed. I meant mine, not yours. Dont atter yourself. But our families were so close, Lennox. The voice echoed through the Tunnel. Almost hard to tell where the one ended and the other began. Not for me, thought Lennox. He tossed the empty matchbook down to the tracks. Six letters were printed on the crimson cover. One word. sirene. Above the tracks, the girl slumped to the ground like a rag doll. The old man was gone. As many times as hed seen it, Lennox was still unsettled. He waited just long enough to make sure his Necromancer was coming out of it. She would be sick in the morning. Sick, and stinking of cigars. Hed have to work harder to make her forget this one. Maybe put a little something extra in her paycheck. It wasnt her fault she was particularly good at communicating with dead psychopaths, but it was one of the reasons she was so valuable. Another occupational hazard. Lennox walked away, disappearing into the deeper dark. There was always more darkness waiting for him. Hed lived his whole life in the shadow. He couldnt help but spread it around.

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 chapter 4

Learning to Fly

By the time the last burnt marshmallow dropped into the re,
no Mortal or Caster was still awake to see it. The two hybrid Incubuses watched in protective silence as their four friends slept around the campsite. Ridley could hear them murmuring as she drifted off to sleep. Her last waking thought was of Link, just to know he was there. Like the old days. After that, Ridleys dreams were lled with old memories. She wasnt thinking of g ood- byes or boys or rings coming from the embers. She couldnt know that plans much more dangerous re and innitely stickier than any marshmallow than any had already been set in motion. How could she? Instead, she slept on, dreaming of things that were far eerier than a ring. Even eerier than an unknown C astforever Binding
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a Siren, a Natural, a Keeper, a Wayward, and two Incubuses under a full summer moon in a Caster county. A full moon was for making magic. Magic and memories.

j
A little fair- haired girl sat tucked between the twisting branches of the oldest oak on the grounds of the infamous Ravenwood Plantation, reading a book that was even older than that. She ark- covered branch thicker hooked her scrawny legs around a b than her waist, but all the same, it wasnt really the safest spot for either a little girl or a big book. You know youre not supposed to be reading that, Rid, a girlish voice called up from below. Baby, teased Ridley, without looking up from the book. You know youre not supposed to change your own diaper. Auntie Dels going to skin you when she nds out youve been stealing things out of her closet again, Lena, with a dark mess of curls and bright green eyes, shouted up from the safety of the grass beneath the tree. Tattler, said Ridley, ipping another page. Wheres your tail? The pages were so enormous, they brushed against her faded blue jeans when she tried to turn them, nearly ripping. The books spine was almost as long as hers. Your funeral. As she spoke, Lena ung herself down on the grass, sliding a notebook and a pen out of her pocket. She pulled the cap off the pen, ipping to a clean page in her book with a sigh. Well, go on. Whats happening now, Rid?
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Theres a ship, L eanie- Beanie. Ridley twisted a blond ringlet around one nger absentmindedly. Dont call me that. And? And three mermaids. Only theyre not mermaids, because they have wings. And theyre singing at least, one is. And another one is playing a kind of strange ute. And the last one is playing a little gold harp. As Ridley watched, the gures on the page moved through the story, exactly as she had described. Go on, Rid, breathed Lena, bright- eyed. Tell the rest. A ship came into view. A ship with sails. Surrounded by waves and rocks. There are sailors. And they come to visit the mermaids. They think the mermaids are the most beautiful creatures theyve ever seen. I think they want to marry them. I think theyre in love. Eww. Beneath the tree, Lena giggled. And now? Now the mermaids are singing more loudly. Can you hear them? Close your eyes. Ridley closed her eyes. Beneath the tree, her cousin Lena did the same. Can you? Lyrical music blew up from the pages of the book and into Ridleys face. It grew louder and louder, lling the whole tree with harmonies, until the branches began to shake and the leaves uttered to the ground beneath it. Ridley didnt care. She felt like she was a million miles away. Lena covered her head with her hands, but the leaves and branches pelted her all the same. Rid! Are you okay? But Ridley was transxed. She sat clutching the book with both hands, a golden light radiating from its depths onto her face.

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The music was beautiful, even hypnotic. Until hypnotic became horric. The sopranos turned to screeching, and the operatic melodies might as well have been nails scratching against stone. The noise was deafening, growing louder by the second, until it hurt to hear. Ridley still didnt move. She couldnt. It didnt even look like she was breathing. Beneath the tree, Lena pressed her hands over her ears, as hard as she could. Stop it. Make it go away, Rid. Stop it now! Ridley froze. She opened her mouth and closed it again, without a word. It was as if everything shed ever wanted was trapped right there, in those pages but the longer she listened to them, the more certain she became that shed never have any of it. The sorrow was more than she could bear. Her eyes brimmed with tears as her ngers curled even more tightly around the page. The song intensied into a howl. The breeze became a erce wind, blowing in circles around the golden- haired little girl. Hold on, Rid! Lena crawled slowly up the tree trunk, a nger in one ear, the other tucked down against her shoulder. She pulled her nger from her ear, yelling like what their Gramma would call a banshee. I cant hear you I cant hear you I cant hear anything and I especially cant hear you! She reached up and up until her ngers were scrabbling gold- edged paper. With one last burst of energy, she against the yanked on the book as hard as she could, knocking it out of

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Ridleys arms and sending it ying down and out of the tree in an explosion of bright blue sparks. It landed, facedown in the dirt, with a thud. Then silence. Ridley opened her eyes to see Lena pulling herself up next to her. The girls clung to each other, trying to catch their breath, trying to slow their hammering hearts. What were those things? Lenas face was pale. And dont say mermaids. Sirens, breathed Ridley. Her voice was quiet, almost a whisper. Theyre called Sirens. Dark. With wings and claws and fangs. They ripped the sailors hearts right out of their chests. Her eyes were stricken. I saw them. Lena shook her head. I would never, ever want to be one of those. Me neither, Ridley said. Her eyes were beginning to pool and prickle with tears. We wont be. Lena reached over, patting her cousins cheek. Dont worry, Rid. Gramma says if our hearts are good, well grow up that way, too. Light as sunshine. Yeah? How do you know if your hearts any good? The tiniest wet streak wobbled past the corner of Ridleys eye. Yours is, Lena said solemnly. I just know it. She drew a linty red lollipop out of her pocket and handed it to Ridley. Promise. For a minute, the younger cousin almost seemed like the older one. They traded the lollipop back and forth, up in the branches of that old oak tree, until Ridley didnt remember the gnashing teeth or the jagged claws or the heartless sailors anymore.
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Not one bit. Promise.

j
When Ridley woke up, she was crying and she didnt know why. She remembered that shed been dreaming, but the details had already begun to fade. Whats wrong, Rid? Lena was next to her, hugging her close in the morning light. Nothing. She tried to think, but it felt like she was pressing on a raw nerve. You hate g ood- byes, you big ball of mush. You barely said a word last night. Lena frowned, pulling her faded blue quilt tightly around the two of them. Is that the only thing bothering you? I told you. Its nothing. Rid looked around, taking in the dead campre and the abandoned blankets. Only Ethan was still there, his face half buried in Boos fur. Where is everyone? Link still had packing to do. John and Liv, too. I told them not to wake you up. Lena smiled. Knowing you. Ridley was relieved. Lena brushed a long pink strand behind Ridleys ear. You know, its not too late. Just because you didnt nish high school with us doesnt mean you cant nish it at all. You could get your GED, go to night school world Mother of all that is holy in the Rid grabbed Lenas wrist with ve dagger- like glitter nails. Wait a minute. Are you suggesting that you think it bothers me that I havent graduated from Stonewall Jackson High? Have you lost what little is left of your mind?
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Lena gently detached Ridley from her arm. You just dont seem like yourself. Rid was furious. You mean I dont seem like a cold witch? Or I do? Because last time I checked, thats what I was. Ridley. I dont know why everyone in Gat- dung has such a hard time remembering Im not like them. Im not even like you. Im a heartless Siren. You are not heartless. Lena was matter-of-fact. They could replay this conversation all Ridley wanted, but she was never going to change her position on this particular matter. How do you know? Ridley sounded as miserable as she felt. I just know. Lena kissed her cousins cheek. Trust me. Truthfully, Ridley didnt trust anybody. But if she had, her cousin wouldve been rst on her list. They sat like that, arm in arm in the silence, for a long moment. Promise, Ridley whispered. She hated herself for saying the word for cracking like that, the moment she did it like always. Promise, Lena whispered back, reaching in the pocket of her sweatshirt and pulling out a bright green lollipop. Green? Change is good. Live a little. Ridley took the lollipop, waving it in her cousins face. You rebel. She stood up, awkwardly stretching her long, bare legs. So, yeah. I gotta jet. It was as close as Rid could come to saying good- bye to her only real friend. I know, Lena said. She knew everything. What Rid was
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 aying s and what she couldnt. She held out a set of car keys. I just Cast a Manifesto. Its on the corner. Ridley shook her head. Youre good. I know, shrugged Lena, her eyes twinkling. Say good- bye to Ethan for me. And you behave, Cuz. Ridley smiled, in spite of everything. I always do. Im the good one, remember? Ridley never forgot.

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 chapter 5

Sweet Child o Mine

A shower and a change of clothes xed everything.

Well, a shower, a vintage pink silk kimono, a shot of hot chocolate, a nal layer of Chanel Rouge Allure Incandescente in other words, Siren Red lipstick, and Rids favorite Herv Lger bandage dress. Siren battle clothes. Time to do your thing, Rid thought. As soon as the red MINI Cooper made it down the hill and across Route 9 into town, Ridley was in better spirits. The moment she saw Link, she could tell he was halfway out of his mind. For all the usual reasons, she guessed. Not to mention the Pepto- Bismol pink housecoat that one of those reasons happened to be wearing this morning. Wesley Lincoln! You wont be needin that garbage at Georgia College a the Redeemer. Mrs. Lincoln stood in the
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driveway, trying to tear the Star Wars poster out of Links hand. In fact, at Georgia Redeemer you wont be needin any a that mess from your room. Link yanked harder on the poster, frustrated. The Beater was mostly packed, but he was supposed to have been on the road an hour ago. Ridley knew better than anyone that standing in the driveway arguing over his action gures one by one with his mother was Links idea of Hell. Aww, come on, Mom. Thats my stuff. And I gotta get outta here. You want to make me late for all that good college orientin? Mrs. Lincoln responded by yanking the poster up and out of Links reach until it tore. Ma! Ridley chose that moment for her entrance. Mrs. Lincoln. How lovely you look! I mean, the way your housecoat matches your curlers. Try as she might, Ridley could never manage not to irritate Links mom. It was pretty much her specialty. That, and getting Mrs. Lincoln to turn a particular shade of red previously reserved only for old beets and sunburned pigs. Link looked so relieved to see her that Rid thought he was going to break down and kiss her right then and there. But then she looked at his mother and thought again. Mrs. Lincoln seethed. Is that sass? Do you think I want advice on how to cover my own G od- given body from a shameless half- dressed harlot like you? high- high boots and her Rid momentarily considered her t halter dress more than a few bandages shy of a true bandage dress and waggled one long red nail. Now, now. No harlot shaming. Havent you heard? Theres a Democrat in the White House, maam.
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Mrs. Lincoln gasped. Ridley smiled. Her mood was improving. It felt good to mix it up with the Mortals. Flex the old chainsaw mouth. Being good Ridley was so dull that sometimes she was tempted to make new friends just so she could lose them later. Lay off, Rid. Link turned to his mom, taking the poster out of her hand. Rids here to say good- bye. You might cut her some slack, seein as shes not comin to Georgia Redeemer with me. Especially seein as you wrote all those letters to the Board to make sure. Mrs. Lincoln forced a smile onto her face. No, she certainly is not. She would burst into ames if she set one foot on a good Christian campus, and dont you forget it. Jesus loves everyone, Mom. Mrs. Lincoln scowled at Ridley. That right there is the one child Jesus forgot. Link tried to keep a straight face. Nothing made his mom madder than a smile or a sass during a beatdown. I dont know about that. They gotta call it Redeemer for a reason. I promise you, shes not it. Do not so much as dial her number. Mrs. Lincoln was almost turning purple. Thats not really your business, Link said sulkily. Oh, you can bet your sweet corncakes it is. As far as Im concerned, Im the CEO a your business, Wesley Lincoln. Im just here to see you off, Ridley said, sweet as pie. First things rst. Ridley was here to get her boyfriend back, and she intended to get the job done. Link held out his hand to her. She looked at it. A handshake? What do you want me to do with that?
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Sayin g ood- bye, I guess. Like you said. He reached for her hand with a smile and a wink. See ya around, Rid. Been nice knowin you. Ridley took his hand. Mrs. Lincolns eyes narrowed. Ridley yanked Link toward her, grabbing his face with both hands. She tilted his head and kissed him so hard that his toes curled and his face turned bright red. Almost as red as his mothers. It was the kind of kiss that had made Sirens famous, the kind of kiss that stung worse than a whole army of wasps the kind that made you forget your own name and your destiny. The kind that could make a sailor steer his ship straight into the rocks. Until he would be the one wearing the bandages, Rid thought, with more than a little satisfaction. Or at least, pride in workmanship. She didnt have a tongue long trained by years of cherry lollipops for nothing. Then, as quickly as Ridley had caught him, she threw him back, breathless and stammering. When she pulled away, Link looked like he was going to pass out. Bye, then, Rid said sweetly. Link stumbled toward his car. His mother came after him with two open arms, then let them drop, disgusted. Well, Wesley Lincoln, are you happy now? What kind a mother could kiss her own son after a sordid display like that? Mrs. Lincoln snapped. Youd better go in the house and wash your mouth out or Ill never be able to kiss you again. Aww now, wouldnt that be a shame, Ridley purred. Five minutes later, Rid stood on the sidewalk and watched as the Beater drove away. The W ho she thought it was Teenage
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Wasteland drifted through the air in its wake, almost like the sound track to the end of the movie that had been Links crappy life in Gatlin. Mrs. Lincoln sniffed, blotting her eyes with her handkerchief. Ridley clapped her on the back. Well, Mamma. I guess I should be off, too. She ducked to Mrs. Lincolns cheek and kissed it loudly, leaving behind a red smear. You dont mind if I call you that, do you, Mrs. L? Seein as were bound to be family, any day now. She leaned toward the woman who hated her more than all the banned books in the Gatlin County Library combined. You know hes saving for a ring, dont you? Mrs. Lincoln could barely speak. Get off my property, you little hussy. Ridley wiggled her ngers, the Binding Ring still on her hand. How about this one? She couldnt resist exing a little Siren power on Links repulsive mother. Mrs. Lincolns face turned purple, but she couldnt get out whatever hideous thing it was that she wanted to say. Ridley smiled. Love you, too, Mamma. Cant wait to inherit your good china! She blew Mrs. Lincoln a kiss and walked straight through her best ower bed, kicking up dirt as she went. Ridley climbed back into her MINI and laughed to herself all the way down Route 9, her pink scarf apping happily in the wind behind her.

j
By the time Ridley caught up to the Beater, Link was parked at the BP gas station on the edge of town and leaning on the hood. Rid honked and rolled down her window, reaching into her
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ashtray to hold up the torn corner of his old Star Wars poster. You forgot something. Link grinned, taking the scrap of poster from her. I think you gave my mother a heart attack. Just wanted to give her a little something to remember me by. Shes really starting to warm up to me. Ridley smiled, pulling down her sun visor to gloss her red lips in its mirror. Think you overshot a little? My mom will probably be having nightmares for the next three months. Only three? You sure know how to hurt a girl, Hot Rod. She pursed her lips. Link just stared. Bandage dress, two. Wesley Lincoln, zero. Speaking of good- bye, you think your mom bought it? She looked at Link. Yeah, she bought it. Link grinned. Hook, line, and Redeemer. Im a free man. He had been planning his escape for months. Everything, even the fake acceptance letter from the fake church college, had been gone over a thousand times. Links practice at forging notes in high school had nally paid off. Enough. Its time. Rid snapped her mirror shut. And what was that handshake about? Did you really think your mom would believe we were just friends? Why not? Arent we? Link leaned back over the edge of the car. Ridley turned off the motor. That all depends. She pushed open her car door, shoving Link backward as it swung away from her. Then she sauntered around the car and untied her scarf, slowly dropping it on the backseat. Its like dancing sometimes. Even if only one of you can hear the music.
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Where are you goin? Link watched her, suspicious. Ridley didnt answer. She just bent over to pop open the trunk of the car, pausing to make sure Link caught the view. Tight dress. Thigh- high boots. Just the way Heaven intended her to look. One. Two. Three. Now. Ridley pulled out three identical Louis Vuitton bags and handed them to Link, one after another. From the look on his face, she could tell hed caught the view, all right. Shed closed the deal. Now all that was left was to break the news to the boy. Rid walked up to the gas station attendant and handed him her keys. My car goes back in the carriage house at Ravenwood Manor. Park it as far away from my Uncle Macons hearse as possible. My cousin drives that thing like a maniac. She grabbed his hand. And I was never here. Rid didnt even need a lollipop anymore, not for most folks in Gatlin. She had a reputation, which was even more powerful. The attendant swallowed and nodded. He took the keys and disappeared back into the garage. Does this mean what I think it means? Link stared at Rid. Youre comin to New York with me? Well, Im sure as hell not going to Georgia Redeemer with you. Link tried not to smile. Youre serious? Surprisingly, Ridley found she had to try just as hard. As the grave.
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He took a deep breath. You and me? You see another Siren standing here? She took a steadying breath herself. Or you got a problem with that? Ridley knew there were a lot of things Link could have said at that moment. He couldve asked Rid about her change of heart. He couldve pointed out how she had given John hell for following Liv to England. He couldve cited their endless non- ght, their big breakup. Breakups. But Link didnt do any of those things. Instead, he gave her a smile as wide as the Mississippi River. Well, Link said. Yep, Rid said. I guess we should Right. It only took about ten seconds for Link to awkwardly help Rid cram her three monogrammed bags into the back of the Beater. Thats all you brought? Link seemed shocked. Thats just my underwear. One thing I know about the big city, Shrinky Dink, is where to shop. Well, Ill be shopping. Youll be doing what I need you to do. That was the plan, anyway. Even if she couldnt tell Link about it. Ridley felt a pang of guilt, but she pushed it away as quickly as it came. Whatever. Ill think about that later. By the time they were back in the Beater, the awkwardness had passed, and all they were left with was the scandalous thrill of having pulled it off. Ridley settled into the seat next to Link.
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He turned up the music, pulling her close. Ive been waitin to do this since last night. He leaned in for a kiss, and she felt an unexpected burst of happiness. God. I really did miss him, after all. Him, and this. Your wait is over, darlin. She kissed him back, climbing halfway onto his lap in the process. It was going to be a long drive, and she gured she might as well get comfortable. Link couldnt stop smiling, kissing aside. You just couldnt stay away, could you? Couldnt do it to you. She kissed him again. He pulled away for a second, grinning at her. Church college my ass. She uttered her eyelashes. Ive been a bad, bad girl, Wesley Lincoln. Think you can redeem me? His answer was lost on his tongue. Or maybe hers.

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 chapter 6

Welcome to the Jungle

The good- byes were over. By the time John and Liv had
boarded their plane for Heathrow and Ethan and Lena were headed for the Massachusetts Turnpike, Link and Ridley were on the way to New York C ity the one- and- only setting of Links one- and- only dream. It had been a long time coming. Remember last time we were in New York City? Link stole a sideways glance at her. You mean the time you pretended to be at church camp? Best band camp ever. Sneakin into clubs in the East Village. Crashin at youth hostels and YMCAs. Sleepin in the Beater. He patted the dashboard. How could I forget. Ridley smiled. It had been an entirely magical hallucination, laced with powerful Siren mojo. Makin it in New York, Rid. Thats right up there with signin a record label or performin at the VMAs.
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Slow down, Hot Rod. Maybe rst you can just try to nd a new band. And I know just where to start looking, Ridley thought. Link was thinking bigger. Who knows? This could be the rst chapter in my autobiography. Rock On: The Making of a Carolina Icon. He said it like he hadnt already told her a thousand times. Ridley smiled. And with any luck, maybe you can get your mother to ban your own book from the Stonewall Jackson High School Library. Link laughed, settling in behind the wheel. A guy can dream. He turned up the music. Ridley shook her head. At least it wasnt going to be called Meatstik, the name of his last band. And she had thought the Holy Rollers were bad. The Holy Rollers were the Rolling Stones compared to Meatstik, which was probably the reason that Link hadnt been able to convince any of the members of his band to come with him to New York. Grable Honeycutt was going full- time at the Summerville Suds-It-Up, and Daryl Homer was just Daryl Homer. Hed probably still be sitting on his mothers couch this time next year, unless his mother sold it out from under him the way shed threatened. My moneys on Daryl, Link had said when the band rst announced they were breaking up, right before graduation. Plus, who wants a gold velvet sofa smellin like a Homers butt? It wasnt like any of them were leaving a great career behind. (Youre My) Mystery Meat and (Feels Like Im Chewin On) Indigestible Gristle, Meatstiks two most requested songs at the Summerville Community Center dances, showcased some
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of the worst lyrics Link had ever written, in Ridleys opinion. (Butcher my heart, llet my soul, and when I bleed, sop it up with your roll.) Actually, the very worst. And that was saying something, considering that Rid had sat through more Holy Rollers concerts than anyone. Now that the bands broken up, maybe you should try writing about something other than meat, shed said. But meats what I miss the most, Link had sighed. Now that Im not eating. And now that were together again. Then hed winked at her. Our love is rare, medium rare. Dont you dare quote Meatstik to me. Ridley didnt push it. Now wasnt the time to be hurting Links feelings, especially not when she knew what was coming. Sooner or later, shed have to tell him that this trip wasnt about dreams. Not anymore. It was about T FPs talents, favors, and powers. In particular, the favors shed lost in a card game called Liars Trade at the club called Suffer. She was still too humiliated to admit the truth to anyone and too afraid. She owed a debt to Lennox Gates, who was more than just a powerful Dark Caster club owner. If Link didnt go to New York, he would be giving up more than his dream. He would be getting Ridley into a mess of trouble even she couldnt escape. Or, depending on how you looked at it, delivering her into the hot mess of trouble shed just gotten herself into. Maybe I should tell him to turn around now. I already gambled Links future away, she thought, with a pang of guilt. Its too late to worry about mine. But she shook it off, as quickly as it came. She couldnt do what she needed to do if she let stupid feelings get in the way. Im doing him a favor. I need to deliver a drummer to
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Lennox to settle this rst marker, and Link is going to New York to be a drummer. Is there anything so wrong with doing us both a favor? And that band, what were they called? Devils Horsemen? Hangmen? They werent really all that bad, were they? There have to be worse things in the world than spending a year with a few Caster rockers with a solid in to good gigs. In fact, Ridley knew there were. It was the other thing shed lost that night the one she couldnt even begin to let herself think about. The part where she owed not just a drummer but a second marker, a house marker, which meant it was up to the house to decide when to cash it in, and for what. In other words, Lennox Gates owned the house and the club, so he owned her marker. In other words, he owned her until a year from the day she lost the game. She owed him one favor. Or worse a talent, maybe even a power. No limits. Anything he asked. He could make her step off the top of the worlds tallest building if he decided to. Drown herself in Lake Moultrie. Shut herself in an Arclight. In fact, Lennox Gates could make Ridley do anything shed ever made anyone else do, using her own Power of Persuasion. He could collect whenever he wanted, and there was nothing she could do about it. Ridley could still see him gloating, that night at Suffer. More like insufferable. Thats what he was. She put it all out of her mind. First things rst.
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She had to settle her gambling debt, and to do that, she had to get Link to New York. One drummer, coming right up.

j
In Philadelphia, Rid only let Link out of the Beater long enough at the local truck stop to buy a Coke, not that he could drink it. In East Brunswick, New Jersey, she was relieved to see signs posted everywhere that only an attendant could pump the gas, so getting out of the car wasnt even an option. Sorry, Hot Rod. Its the law. Ridley couldnt help but feel an irrational panic that he might turn around and drive right back home. She could sense his nerves all the way from the other side of the car. Link couldnt keep his hands on the wheel. He was too busy tapping on every other surface of the Beater. I just gotta pull over and breathe for a second. He exhaled loudly, like a smoker without a cigarette. Youre ne. Ridley reached out her hand. I should pat something, right? Maybe his arm? She let her hand fall on his leg, awkwardly. You dont know that. What if I suck? What if I never get a new band? What if this was all just a stupid idea? He said the words like they were new thoughts, and Ridley tried not to smile. When has that ever stopped you before? She gave up on the patting. After that, Ridley was on standby, ready to implement emergency measures. Link was freaking out at the wheel, and Ridley was stuck in his passenger seat. If she didnt do something, she was going down with this ship.
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Like it or not, they were in this together. Link shrugged. I could get a job at the Suds-It-Up, I guess. It was the saddest thing she had ever heard. It gave her a thought so un-Ridley it felt like heartburn in her brain. This must be what its really like to be Bound to a person. You cant just wave it away, turn it magically on or off. Really connecting yourself to another person is innitely more complicated than that. She looked at the re- forged Binding Ring on her nger. Ridley had to do something, for both of them. Rid wriggled her ngers, watching as the colors of the ring shifted from a bright blue to a milky green. Caster green, she thought. Like some big old Caster mood ring. She closed her eyes. No. It wasnt a Cast. It wasnt even a Charm. It wasnt the same as a cherry lollipop or a piece of gum or anything she could chew on or suck on or sweeten up her Siren powers with. It was a wish. But as she wished, she felt a strange pull as if something was giving way in the deepest part of her own mind, the way it did when she was Kelting with a Caster or Charming her way past some unsuspecting Boy Scout. I wish this Beater could Travel. If John were here, hed be able to gure out a way to do it. Wed Rip from here to New York City in a heartbeat. Ridleys heart pounded and she opened her eyes just in time to see the Beater crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, over the water from Manhattan into Brooklyn. Wait, she said, turning to Link. Did you see that? Its kinda hard to miss the Brooklyn Bridge, Rid. Even for
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a boy from Gatlin. Link grinned. He was back to his old self. Something about the city always charmed Link as completely as anything Rid could do to him. You didnt notice anything weird just now? Between New Jersey and here? You mean, aside from the license plates bein the wrong color and the radio stations bein all jacked up? And how you gotta pay money just to drive on the highway? Everythings weird, Babe. This is the North. Then Stairway to Heaven came on and all conversation came to a mandatory stop. It was one of the only rules in the Beater. You had to respect the Stairway. Rid held up her hand in the moonlight, staring at the ring. What were the words of that Binding Cast? Something send us? Did the ring do it? It had faded back to blue again, and now it didnt look any more powerful than the other pieces of jewelry she was wearing. Link didnt make the Beater Travel. He didnt even notice it. And I didnt imagine it. I couldnt have. Because they were in New York. She didnt know how or why, or even who was responsible but at least nothing bad had happened. She had gotten her wish. There was no turning back from New York now. Ridley couldnt tell if it was because of the ring, but as they crossed through the darkness from one stretch of sparkling lights to the next, the Brooklyn Bridge seemed like the most magical place in the world, or the second most magical. It reminded Ridley of the Caster bridge that led to the seam, the great boundary between the Mortal world and the Otherworld. Except where that bridge had been a splintery old dock, this one was almost a monument to Mortals. She wondered why shed never noticed it
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before. The immense scale of everything the cables rising high into the night sky overhead, the support beams striping them with shadow and light as the Beater sped b y it wasnt like anything either of them was used to seeing around Gatlin. It was Mortal and breathtaking, and Ridley couldnt imagine ever getting used to the idea that the pathetic, b roken- down human race could pull off something this beautiful. Just when you think they cant surprise you, she thought. Then you have to start worrying that they can.

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 chapter 7

Another Brick in the Wall

Were not lost. How big can Brooklyn be? And I got a nose
like a houndog, remember? Hound dog is two words, Ridley said. And you mean bloodhound. Whatever. He took a swig from the Coke can wedged between his seat and the door. Cars as old as the Beater didnt have luxury amenities like cup holders or windshield wiper uid, let alone both headlights. You sure you even know where youre going? Where your apartment is? Ridley looked at him suspiciously. He spat the Coke back into the can with a sigh. It was as close as he could come to drinking one; like any Incubus, Link didnt need food, or even want it. But that didnt mean he didnt miss it. Link sighed, rattling the can. Its not an apartment. Not exactly.
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What is it, exactly? A parking lot. He stole a sideways look at her. Excellent. She tried to look annoyed, but really, she wasnt that surprised. I gured Id sleep in the Beater. Seems to me we had some pretty good times in this old girl. He patted the dashboard affectionately. Your plan was to move to New York until you made it big and you were going to sleep in your car the whole time? Link shrugged. How long could it take? Im a talented guy. Ridley pulled a slip of paper out of her bag and grabbed Links ancient and not-at- all- smart phone off the dashboard. She found the keypad and slowly typed in letters with the tips of her long red nails. Never mind. Ive got this. It was time for the next phase of her p lan time to meet the band, and Link couldnt have made things any easier. The roadie at Suffer had given her the lead guitarists number and told her to call when they got to town. Here we are. on our way address pls Rid frm Suffer You have? Got what? Link frowned. I know some people. She patted his arm. I always do. Since when? Now it was Links turn to be suspicious. The next text was almost instantaneous, and incompre hensible. puking clown myrtle duane Ridley tried to decipher the message. It seems like were staying with this guy named Duane, she said. And maybe a girl named Myrtle. How come I never heard a these people?

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Ridley scrambled. Theyre friends of Johns. I texted him, and he hooked us up. Johns supposed to be on a plane all night, remember? Link said. Who is this Duane guy for real? They have Wi-Fi now on planes, Ridley said smoothly. The lies are starting to come so easily. Even more quickly than usual. Which youd know, if youd ever been on one. Hey, Ive been places. The Greyhound bus to Myrtle Beach doesnt count. Rid didnt even look up. Speaking of Myrtle. She kept typing. what puking clown The response came just as quickly. puke on myrtle What? Link scoffed, and Rid forced herself to stop looking at the phone. He glanced away from the street signs long enough to raise an eyebrow at her. Why do I need a plane? Johns stupid for not Traveling. Thats funny, because last time I checked we were sitting in a car for ten thousand hours driving all the way from South Carolina to New York City. Instead of Traveling. Except for the part when we were, Ridley thought. Thats different. I couldnt leave this sweet old girl home. Shed kill me. Link patted the dashboard. Isnt that right, Sugarpie? We have a place to crash with Duane and Myrtle. Thats the important thing. Im sure everything will be ne. Ridley almost believed herself as she said it. She tried the phone once more.

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puking clown what the hell who is myrtle This time, there was no response at all.

j
Shes a street, not a person. Ridley stood under the sign that said myrtle ave. It was a miracle theyd found it, considering that it was the middle of the night and p itch- dark and every conceivable surrounding sign, wall, and surface was covered in layers of grafti. I kinda picked up on that about Myrtle. Link sighed. Lets get back in the car. That dudes place has to be around here somewhere. Ridley shook her head. Isnt it obvious? Duanes screwing with us. Actually, hes not. Link pointed, with a laugh. But Duane really wants you to come in for your u shot. Because hes also not a person. There it was, the sign announcing t wo- for- one vaccination day at Duane Reade. Duane Reade, the drugstore. Damn, she thought. They are screwing with me. Of course. Devils Hairspray. This band already sucks worse than Meatstik. Link looked down at Ridley. Theres no Duane, Babe. And no Myrtle. Do you have any idea where were goin, or who were goin to see? A puking clown. She sat down on the curb. It was true, and all she had left to go on. Ridley was so frustrated she felt like crying. It didnt help that the people they were looking for still wouldnt answer her texts.

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Of course. Why didnt you say so? Link exhaled, trying not to lose it. Thats all the guy said. Im so stupid for listening to some idiotic Caster I dont even know and thinking he would help. She caught herself. Even if he is Johns friend. Right. It wasnt that far off. There were lots of idiotic Casters she never should have listened to in her life. Damn Casters. And damn that one Mortal roadie. If shed never met him, she would never have gotten into the game of Liars Trade that landed her in this mess in the rst place. Damn Mortals. So who is this Not Duane guy? Dark Caster? Link sat down on the curb next to her. Probably. She shrugged, improvising. If hes one of Johns friends. He didnt have the Lightest childhood. Come on. John never had any friends, Rid. We both know that. Who is this guy, really? Well... Ridley took a breath and looked up at Link. Hes in a band. What? Link stiffened. There was no way Ridley could work the word band into any conversation without Link knowing shed been up to something. The band was his thing, not hers. She had pretty much avoided all other music since she and Link had gotten together. Considering the kind of music Links bands played, it was better if she didnt have anything else to compare it to. Now everything came tumbling out. Everything, up to a

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point. I dont even remember his name. Hes in a band and I saw him play at Suffer. After we broke up. After I ran out on you. After I went on a bender through half of Europe. After I lost everything at one bad game of Liars Trade. Go on. Link looked even more suspicious. Another band was annoying enough. Another band from a Dark Caster club was worse. The rest of Ridleys defense came out in one l ong and surprisingly partially true monologue. I didnt want to tell you because I didnt want to ght about it, and because I knew youd hate him if you associated him with our breakup. (Sort of true.) But thats where we met and his band needs a drummer and otherwise they seemed pretty good. (Also sort of true.) And I told him I knew someone who would be perfect and now here we are. She took another deep breath. See? Its all ne. Now lets go nd a puking clown. She tried to sound upbeat, but saying the words puking clown made her give up again. I cant believe you. Link stared at her, and not in a good way. Not in an I- love- this- Siren way. The bandage dress wasnt even a factor in this conversation, which proved how badly it was going. Im off my game, Ridley thought. I should be able to swing this, but Im not. Whats wrong with me? Which part cant you believe? She tried to remember which part was true, but it had gotten so convoluted that she was having trouble sorting it out for herself. Any of it. You knew I was comin here to break into the music scene. Then you sat in the car the whole way up here and never said one word about me auditionin for a band.
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Its not an audition. Youve already got the job. Which is the whole problem, she thought. Irony sucks. What are you talkin about? They need a drummer. Youre a drummer. Its math. You plus them equals band. Done. Can we go nd the clown now? Rid. Stop. This is a big deal to me. You dont get to decide my whole future for me. Thats not how this is going to go down. Why not? Its my dream. You have to stay out of it. Im supposed to get there myself. You are. Yeah? How many lollipops did you have to suck to swing this one, Rid? he asked. The words stung. She looked away. Regular girlfriends dont do things like that, Rid. Then why dont you go ahead and get yourself one of those? Dont snap, Rid. Back it down. Because I was only trying to help. Myself, she added, as badly as she felt about it. He looked skeptical. Really, Link. Im just trying to be honest with you. Nice touch. Whatever. He looked away, back in the direction of the grafti-covered Duane Reade. Why dont you ever believe me when I say Im sorry? Ridley attempted to appear sorry, but she was having trouble remembering how that particular expression looked. She went with sick instead, because shed faked that one enough times growing up that it was almost second nature. Because youre never sorry, Link said, as if the thought had
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only just now come to him. Because you never really believe theres anything to be sorry for. This is all just a game to you. Its never goin to be anythin more real than that. Not for Ridley Duchannes. Ridley knew what he was talking about. Earlier in the summer, when Link had confessed that he loved her, she had freaked out and bailed on him. Neither one of them had said a word about it since. Sometimes real was too real, especially for Ridley. No. Thats not true, she said, suddenly feeling sort of awful. Link stood up. I need to walk. No, please dont, she said. Link. He took off down the s treet away from Ridley and the Beater and the Duane Reade and the whole conversation. Shed been tricking Mortals her entire life. At least, manipulating them. Shed always gotten by before. Why did she feel so bad about it now? And who was Link to make her feel so rotten for doing what shed always done? Most Dark Casters didnt give Mortals a second thought. They were there to be taken advantage o f it was why they existed. Like for target practice, or Casting lessons. Theyre just, you know, Mortals. Ridley sat alone on the curb in the circle of a sad yellow streetlight. The night was dark, even in the city, and once again she was alone. This is who I am. A girl sitting alone on a curb. This is all I know how to be. She knew she needed to tell Link the truth, but which truth?
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And what did it matter? In the end, shed still nd herself alone on the curb. Maybe thats where I belong. She shivered, feeling conspicuous, like the world was watching. Literally watching. She looked up. Because someone is watching me, Rid thought. She could feel it, the eyes on her. She glanced up and down the street. The night grew darker in the cracks and crannies beneath cars and stoops, inside doorways and behind bushes. There were so many places to hide. But as she watched, everything remained still. Maybe Im imagining things. There were no footsteps, no sounds. I dont have that great of an imagination. Ridley was still trying to hammer it out when Link shouted back to her. Rid! Go away, Ridley said. I dont want to hear it. It was what he expected her to say, the Siren alone on the curb. So she said it. Well, thats too bad, because I found us a puking clown.

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 chapter 8

Stairway to Heaven

Where are you taking me?

Have a little faith, Rid, Link said. Right. As if. Link stopped and pulled her in front of him, putting a hand on each of her shoulders. Look. Im tryin to help, here. Im not sayin its a slam dunk. I gotta make sure its a good t, I mean. The band. Ridley held her breath. Yeah? If its important to you, Ill give it a shot. I mean, Im your guy. But you gotta be straight with me. I am. She reached up to push a spike of hair out of his eyes. You sure theres nothin else goin on here? She shook her head. Nothing I can tell you, anyway. But she

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was still spooked by the feeling that she was being watched. And more than a little guilty about having to lie to her own boyfriend. She had a bad feeling about this whole night. Im ne, Ridley said, as much to herself as to him. Link looked relieved and grabbed her hand. Then lets go. She followed him across the street from the Duane Reade the very real drugstore, not the innitely less real person where there was a small, run- down, otherwise nondescript one- story diner. Though the street itself was dark, the front window of the building was lit by a blinking neon light that said one word: diner. It looked like it hadnt changed much, or been cleaned much, in half a century. Does that mean its a diner? Or that the name of the place is Diner? Ridley stared up at it. I dont get it. Marilyns Diner. Cant you see where the rest of the neons blown out? She examined it more closely, but she could barely make out anything in the window. Now that he had transformed, the hybrid Incubus Link could see and hear things well beyond the abilities of a Mortal, or even a Caster. Anyway, Im not talking about that. Look at this. Link pointed to a wall on the side of the diner, the one that faced the corner of the intersection. It was a relatively average wall of brick covered with grafti. Tagged words became abstract spray- painted shapes, swirling one into the next. A row of monsters. A sea of faces. Hands lining the ground like owers. And one word, arching over it all.

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N ECRO
The lettering reminded Ridley of something, but she couldnt recall exactly what. The name was familiar, or maybe just the artwork. Its like those paintings by that one guy. You know, in the museums in Paris, or Spain. Oh, that guy. I see what youre saying. But Link didnt see, since he had never set foot inside a museum in his entire life. Not even the gift shop. Dal, she said, snapping her ngers. Salvador Dal, the guy with the droopy clocks and bizarre faces and skulls that have skulls for eyes. Monster heads walking around on chicken legs and whatever. Last time I checked, you paid about as much attention to museums as I did. Link grinned. Youre so full of it. See right there? Where the monster coming out of the creepy egg thing with legs is eating those little guys? Thats what Im talking about. Ridley gestured to the wall. I think youre missing the point. Link looked smug. Yeah? What is it, then, Picasso? Link reached toward the white monster. Its that. He touched the wall right behind the white monster, where another creature, one that looked like a cross between a squid and a giraffe with a strangely round, red nose was spewing what looked like a bunch of eyeballs out of his enormous mouth. Hes throwing up, Rid said. Clown Nose is throwing up. Suddenly, she saw it. Clown Nose. Throwing up. Puking clown! Pukin like Savannah Snow at Senior Night. Link seemed
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more chipper than hed been since they left Gatlin. Or Emily Asher at prom. Or that really drunk Summerville kid with food poisoning at Meatstiks last gig. Or Yeah, yeah. Ive got it. Rid reached for the mouth. Her hand slid inside, until it disappeared all the way up to her wrist. Doorknob? Link looked hopeful. In answer, she grabbed his sleeve and yanked, until they both disappeared into the swirls of paint that were the grafti mural... ... and reappeared on the other side of a door, in what seemed to be the mail room of an average- looking apartment building. Link doubled over, his hands on his knees. Then he stood upright, shaking his head like a big dog that had just come out of the water. Whoa. I dont think Ill ever get used to that. A basic Occultus Vox Cast? Oh, please, whatever. Illusionist kid stuff. Larkin did the same thing to his clubhouse when he was ve. Ridley wasnt so impressed with the doorway; anyone could do that. But through the glass of another doorway, she saw stairs zigzagging up into the darkness apartments above Marilyns, hidden from the outside by a Cast. Illusioning away a whole apartment building was pretty cool. Only the diner on the bottom oor was visible, and Ridley realized there was a second way in. The diners the threshold, Ridley said. I think we came in the back door. They were probably trying to throw us off. Why would they want to do that? Ridley shrugged. Theyre Dark Casters, not the Stonewall Jackson PTA. Theyre not here to meet the neighbors. She stared at the mailboxes, where a row of names appeared in pencil next to their corresponding and very Mortal, very
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 attered- b looking metal boxes. She ran her ngers down the list.

FLOYD: #2D
She tapped her nger on the name. I met that girl. Shes the Illusionist. Floyd? I guess so. Ridley shrugged. To be honest, she hadnt paid much attention to anything that night at Suffer beyond her own predicament. She was good at Liars Trade. But I was better. What else? Link looked at her like she was forgetting the important stuff. Oh, right. Bass guitar, I think. She tried to remember, then gave up. Whatever. Shes just some rocker chick. I like rocker chicks. Link grinned. Ridley ignored him. She just pointed at a different name on the wall. She didnt do it all by herself. Look. There it was.

NECRO: #2D
So theyre friends, Link said. Ridley nodded. One did the tagging and the other hid the door. I met them both, but I dont think I said two words to them all night. Another poser rock loser. Necro? Probably a Necromancer. Link looked anxious. He wasnt interested in talking to the dead any more than he already had in the last few years. Having your best friend go to the Otherworld and back will do that to a guy.
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You think? What gave that away? Link raised his hands in surrender. One name was scratched out. Ridley looked more closely but she couldnt read it. That one must have been their blowhole of a drummer. The one youre replacing. Im not Careful. Pull back. The one they think youre replacing. I know, I know. Its not up to me. You dont have to do anything you dont want to do. Im not the boss of you. So well just go inside and clear the whole thing up. What about this one? Link stooped over to read the name. It looks like Sam. Sam something.

SAMPSON: #2D
Ridley felt seriously ill seeing the name of the strange Darkborn who had beaten her in the nal hand of Liars Trade. The one who was playing for the house. Sampson, hes . . . something different. Dark? Light? Incubus? If only she knew. Just different. Her tone said leave it, and he did. Ridley took a breath. Now or never. I got us into this mess. This is how Ill get us out. So she did the opposite of every single thing she felt like doing. She found apartment 2D up one ight of stairs, with them and pushed the buzzer. nothing obviously Caster about The door opened. It was the pretty- boyish girl with the blue faux- hawk.
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Ridley recognized the close- cropped blue hair from the club. She couldnt remember her name. They were all a blur now. Hey, Duane. She attempted a smile. Knock, knock. Its us. Ridley had taken a step closer toward the door when the blue faux- hawk tried to slam it shut, in her face. Not expecting us, were you? Thanks for the great directions. You really made things easy. Link pushed the door open, and they stared at two very different girls. Ridley remembered them both from Suffer. One was tall and gangly, sporting ratty jeans, a ripped Pink Floyd T-shirt, and more stringy blond hair than she seemed to know what to do with. Right now it was spilling out of two knots on the top of her head. Hi, Floyd, Ridley said. Next to her, the one with the faux- hawk was short and slight. Where there wasnt blue hair or black leather there were so many piercings it looked like she had a stapler fetish. Necro. Ridley nodded. It occurred to her that she had never realized Necro was actually a girl before, when theyd met at Suffer. Neither girl answered. Hey, Floyd. Link pointed at her shirt. I get it. Awesome. He made a small, worshipful bow. Floyd swallowed a smile. He looked at Necro. Whats up, Gaga? Ridley snorted. Link. Dont be rude. Its not Gaga. Im not even sure its a Lady. It? Are you talking about me? Necro examined her st like she was considering her options. Ouch, Barbie. Whered you learn your manners? On the streets of Brooklyn, Ridley shot back. Thanks to your excellent directions. She looked at Link. This is my boyfriend, Link. She nodded at the girls. This is Devils Hairspray.
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Hangmen, Floyd corrected. As if thats any better. Ridley rolled her eyes. Necro looked annoyed. Arent Sirens supposed to keep their killer talons hidden under soft, sweet exteriors? Ridley waved a hand of talon- like nails. Necro smiled. Oh, I see the talons. Im just having a hard time nding the sweet exterior. Bite me, Ridley said. See how sweet I taste then. Necro raised an eyebrow. Funny, Im going to pass. Ridley smiled back. Funny, Im not going anywhere. They stood eye to eye, talon to talon. Necromancer to Siren, at an unspoken impasse. In the end, the Necromancer blinked. Dont they always? Necro shoved the door open with a sweeping gesture. Fine. Lennox warned us you were coming. You can hang at the Devils Hangout until you nd a place of your own. Ridley took a step toward the door, but Necro stopped her. I hope your boyfriends better at the drums than you are at cards, Siren. Ridley pushed past her. She didnt laugh. There was nothing funny about Lennox Gates.

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